Antigua, Guatemala
Date: Flexible: Clinics are typically held March-November
Partner: Global Dental Relief
Cost: Project Cost: $2,180 (based on double occupancy); Clinic-Only Itinerary: $1,850 (based on double occupancy)
Estimated Airfare: $500 – $900
Medical Setting: Temporary Clinic set up in a school or community center.
Difficulty: Comfortable accommodations and consistent access to AC, hot water, internet connection, variety of good food, etc. Moderate climate.
Cultural Experience:Volunteers can join a historical walking tour of Antigua. After the clinic, participants have two days to relax in a lush lakeside jungle lodge on the banks of beautiful, world-renowned Lake Atitlan.
About Global Dental Relief:
Global Dental Relief’s mission is to bring free dental care to children around the globe, in Nepal, Guatemala, Mexico, Kenya, and Cambodia. Teams of volunteer dentists, hygienists, assistants and general volunteers deliver treatment and preventive care in dental clinics that serve children in schools and remote villages. Each child receives an exam, all necessary dental care, oral health instruction, a fluoride treatment and a new toothbrush. Once dental health is restored, children return to the clinic every two years to ensure a childhood of healthy smiles.
Global Dental Relief programs extend this reach by delivering toothbrushes and oral health education in schools between clinics and by providing critical nutrition to children in high-need situations.
Why Dental Care for Kids?
Many children globally live without access to dental care. Small cavities grow into serious decay and infection. Children in pain are unable to sleep, eat properly or pay attention in school. GDR volunteers restore children to bright smiles and an ability to thrive.
About the Medical Setting:
Working in partnership with local nonprofits, volunteers work in a community room or classroom converted into a temporary dental clinic. Children aged 6-18 are brought in class by class from surrounding schools. Volunteers work in the clinic for six days, performing exams, amalgam and composite restorations, and extractions as needed. Forming 6 dental stations, clinicians work alongside an assistant who carries out normal chairside duties, including charting as well as instrument and suction support. Some assistants may be highly trained, and some may be relatively new to the role.
Global Dental Relief provides portable dental units and all the instruments and supplies necessary to perform restorations, extractions, sealants and preventive care. This includes scrubs and disposable items like gloves, masks, gauze, etc.
We treat primary teeth only in cases of abscess by doing an extraction. We do not fill primary teeth, instead devoting our limited time and resources to saving permanent teeth. Generally, global dental volunteers make a treatment plan for two quadrants and do 20-30 minutes of work per child. Children can return for a second or third visit to finish their treatment. The clinic leader is there to guide and support you and answer any questions you might have.
There is no X-ray in the clinic. If an X-ray is required to complete treatment, the child can be sent to a nearby hospital. Availability of this option varies depending on location.
Program Includes:
- 3-4 star hotels in Antigua and Panajachel
- Breakfast every morning and lunch on clinic days
- Translation and support from local staff
- All internal overland transportation within Guatemala
- Sightseeing as listed in the project itinerary
- Celebratory farewell dinner
- Signature GDR T-shirt and water bottle
- Return Volunteer Discount on all future projects
- Two designated trip leaders
- A volunteer coordinator in the GDR office to assist and prepare you for the trip
About the Country:
Guatemala is a Spanish-speaking country in Central America with a diverse population of approximately 18 million people, comprising a rich tapestry of ethnicities and cultures. Approximately 40% of the population identifies as indigenous, belonging to various groups such as the Maya, Xinca, and Garifuna. These communities contribute to the country’s vibrant cultural heritage, showcasing traditional practices, dialects, and customs that vary widely across regions.
Many families, especially in rural areas, face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, including dental services. These barriers include poverty, which limits financial resources for healthcare expenses, and geographical isolation, which can make traveling to clinics difficult. Poor oral health can lead to pain and suffering, impacting children’s ability to eat, sleep, and learn effectively.